Illinois Teen Driving Laws, Insurance Requirements & Drivers License

Teen Driving in Illinois - The Instruction Permit

In the State of Illinois applicants are eligible for an Instruction
Permit if between the ages of 15 and 17. To qualify for the instruction permit,
applicants must be enrolled in an approved State of Illinois driver education
course. If the applicant is 17 years and 3 months or older, the driver
education course is optional.

Prior to receiving an instruction permit, the
permit applicant must pass a vision test and a written exam.

The instruction permit is good for 2 years and
teen drivers must hold their permit for a minimum of 9 months before applying
for a driver license when they are a minimum of 16 years of age. Teen drivers
with instruction permits are allowed to drive with a parent, legal guardian or
a responsible adult 21 years of age or older with a minimum of 1 year of
driving experience. Once permit holders have completed the driver education
course, they may continue to drive with a responsible adult as outlined above.

If a teen driver has completed the on-the-road
driver training and the class was taken at their high school, the Illinois
State Board of Education will automatically notify the Office of Secretary of
State that this training has been completed.

To have a driver's license record updated by the
Secretary of State applicants must have eight
passing grades in the two most recent semesters in school.

Under 18 Driver License in Illinois

Although applicants must
be 18 years of age to receive a valid Illinois driver license there are
exceptions and restrictions.

Prior to application for a driver license, the
under 18 driver must present the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.

Any teen driver under the age of 18 must hold
their learner permit for a minimum of 9 months, in good standing prior to
applying for a driver license.

In addition, the applicant must also pass a
three part driver license exam.

Teen drivers under the age of 18 must present
written verification from a parent, guardian or responsible adult 21 years of
age or older that they have had at least 50 hours of driving practice.

10 of the 50 hours must be nighttime driving.

Notification of your completion of a state
approved behind the wheel training course must appear on your license record at
the time of application.

Driver license holders under the age of 18 are
under the following nighttime driving restrictions: Sunday through Thursday 10:00 PM to
6 AM; and Friday through
Saturday 11:00 PM to 6 AM. These
restrictions apply unless a parent or legal guardian is present while driving.

Teen drivers who receive a ticket for driving
outside of the restricted hours of their driver license may be suspended.
Drivers under the age of 18 may have their driver license suspended for failing
to maintain high school attendance.

Mandatory Minimum Liability Insurance

All drivers in the State of Illinois must be covered by
minimum liability insurance. All vehicle owners are required to show proof of
coverage during the vehicle registration process. The State of Illinois minimum
liability insurance limits are listed below.

$20,000
for the Injury or Death of One Person in a Crash

$40,000
for the Injury or Death of More than One Person in a Crash

$15,000
for the Damage to Property of another Person

While driving in the State of Illinois applicants must carry proof of liability
coverage on your person or in your vehicle. This proof must be presented when
requested by a law enforcement officer.

The fine for driving without insurance $500, in addition
your vehicle registration will be suspended until a reinstatement fee is
submitted. This is for a first time offense. Repeat offenses will receive a
four month vehicle registration suspension.